Tina Heger

Prof. Tina Heger is a Professor of Restoration Ecology at the TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich. Her research focuses on invasion biology, ecological theory, and biodiversity conservation. She leads interdisciplinary projects addressing biological invasions, novel ecosystems, and policy frameworks for managing invasive species. Key contributions include the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach, advancing AI applications in ecological research, and Germany's first action plan against unintentional invasive species pathways. Heger advocates for rigorous scientific communication and ontology development in ecology.

Her work bridges theory and practice through initiatives like the enKORE-INAS Workshop and collaborations with international bodies. Recent projects include analyzing ecological novelty, rethinking philosophical foundations in ecology, and developing frameworks for knowledge synthesis. She actively participates in policy-making, contributing to EU regulations on invasive species management.

Heger’s research emphasizes ecological mechanisms, transdisciplinary approaches, and the societal implications of environmental change. She explores how technological advancements (e.g., machine learning) can enhance ecological monitoring and hypothesis testing. Her lab focuses on urban ecosystems, soil multifunctionality, and resilience in river systems.